There is a South American presence at Euro 2024 as Argentine referee Facundo Tello is taking charge of the clash between Turkey and Georgia in Group C
Facundo Tello will be in charge of Turkey’s clash against Georgia
Euro 2024 is proving to be a thrilling battle between Europe’s top footballing nations – but there will be a touch of South American influence.
Despite the tournament being exclusively for European nations, today’s 5pm showdown (Tuesday) between Turkey and Georgia will see an Argentinian official take charge. It might seem logical that European players would be officiated by European referees, but when it comes to those wielding the whistle, waving the flag or operating the VAR system, this isn’t always the case.
Facundo Tello is the sole non-European official overseeing the opening group stage matches, thanks to a special dispensation. Many fans and players may find this interesting, unless you are Portuguese.
Tello was the man in the middle for Portugal’s World Cup quarter-final exit to Morocco. Fernandes and his team-mates were particularly unhappy when they were not given a penalty after Achraf Hakimi appeared to bring the midfielder down in the box.
After the match, veteran defender Pepe said: “This is stronger than me and I’ll have to say it. It’s unacceptable for an Argentine referee to referee our game.
“The feeling and arrogance of the referee on the field, I can bet everything I have that Argentina will be champions.”
What is your reaction to Facundo Tello’s appointment? Let us know in the comment section below
Pepe of Portugal argues with the referee Facundo Tello after the defeat ,during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
Portugal were unhappy with Tello to say the least
Tello’s appointment for the Euros is part of an ongoing collaboration between UEFA and its South American counterpart CONMEBOL, which sees the two football governing bodies exchange officials, reports the Mirror. Hailing from Bahia Blanca, Tello has officiated at the pinnacle of Argentine football. His first official match for the Argentine Soccer Association was back in 2011.
He’s since carved out a reputation as a strict disciplinarian who doesn’t stand for any nonsense. Argentine powerhouses Boca and Racing discovered this the hard way. In 2022, Tello handed out an astonishing 10 red cards during their fiery encounter.
He intervened when a late goal from Carlos Alcaraz in the Champions Trophy final sparked a massive pitch brawl. Tello gave marching orders to Alcaraz, five Boca players, and their manager Hugo Ibarra he had already dismissed three players prior to the mass scuffle
Turkey and Georgia will need to keep their conduct in check when they share the pitch with Tello. The match could be especially charged as it marks Georgia’s debut in a European Championship game.
On the other hand, Turkey will be aiming to make amends for their dismal showing at Euro 2020, where they were knocked out in the group stages. As the world’s 75th ranked team, they are the lowest-ranked nation in the entire tournament.
Georgia ended up fourth in their qualifying groups behind Scotland, Spain, and Norway, but made it through thanks to a successful UEFA Nations League run. Their performance in the contentious competition earned them a spot in the playoffs. After defeating Luxembourg 2-0, they triumphed over Greece in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 stalemate.
Below are pics of Argentine referee Facundo Tello gestures during the Conmebol Recopa Sudamericana second leg final match between Brazil’s Fluminense and Ecuador’s Liga de Quito at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on February 29, 2024
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